Earth Science
Human Impacts on the Earth’s Environment
Global Warming
Study Tip
Think about greenhouse gasses as a large blanket. It traps warmth and keeps it from escaping.
Global Warming
Global warming
is the gradual warming of the Earth due to the trapping of greenhouse gasses primarily released by human activity.
The rate that temperature has been increasing has been greatest within the past century.
The 2000s have been the warmest decade recorded.
Gases such as carbon dioxide enhance the greenhouse effect and causes global temperature to increase.
Changes
The timing for the events of species is changing.
For instance, mating and migrations take place earlier in the spring months due to the changing temperatures.
Sea levels are rising due to the ice caps melting.
Study Tip
Think about greenhouse gasses as a large blanket. It traps warmth and keeps it from escaping.
The global temperatures continue to
rise as global warming occurs.
Concept Check
How does the Earth’s temperature change due to global warming?
What other effects does global warming have on the Earth?